“There are punishment spankings and spankings given for pleasure. Believe me when I tell you they’re two very different things.” His gaze filled with heat as he cupped a breast, lightly rubbing his thumb over the taut nipple. Suddenly, she wished there was nothing between them. That she could feel his thumb against her bare nub.
“One day, I’m going to have my mouth on these nipples, and I can’t wait.”
Her pulse quickened, then he moved out of her line of vision, exposing her to the group beyond. Oh, shit. She couldn’t do this. He walked behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders. Immediately, her nerves calmed.
“If I could have your attention, please.” Gray didn’t yell, but everyone immediately quietened and turned to look at him. “Thank you. I’d like to introduce you to Lacey. This is her first experience of BDSM. She just came tonight to observe, but she’s kindly agreed to participate in a demonstration for your benefit. I’m going to insist you speak in quiet tones so as not to jar or upset her. If you have any questions, can you please put up your hand or ask at the end. Thank you.”
“Ready, honey?” he murmured in her ear.
She guessed so. She nodded.
“Verbal response, please. I need to hear you, so there’s no risk of miscommunication between us.”
“Yes. Sir,” pleased with herself for remembering that last part.
“Good girl. If you need to slow down or stop, tell me. But I think you’ll enjoy this.” He raised his voice slightly. “Put your arms out in front of you, elbows bent, wrists together.” He started wrapping the red rope around her arms from the elbows up to her wrists. Then in a low, almost hypnotic voice, he started to speak.
“The origin of Shibari comes from Hojo-jutsu, a method of restraining captives and a form of torture. It evolved into erotic bondage. It’s an art and at its center is creating patterns that both complement and contrast with the natural curves of the body.”
When he was finished wrapping the rope around her arms, she couldn’t move them. A sliver of panic moved through her. Gray stepped in front of her, filling her vision. He smiled down at her. “You’re doing wonderfully, sweetheart.”
His praise filled that hole inside her.
Her gaze studied the rope tying her arms together.
“Look at me, Lacey.”
She glanced up at him. Leaning in, he kissed her gently, and pleasure filled her. When he moved away, the panic had been replaced by arousal.
He moved behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders, giving her a light massage. God, that felt like heaven.
“Lots of tension back here, sweetheart.”
He didn’t have to tell her that. He ran his fingers lightly down her back and around her waist. Then back up. Up and down until she felt small shivers running over her skin. He then swept his fingers down over her shoulders to the top of her bra. He brushed his fingers across her breasts. Her nipples hardened, and she wished she could feel his touch against her nipples again.
Then his hands disappeared. The loss almost felt painful. He moved in front of her, a rope held in both his hands. He held the rope up to her chest, then ran it down over her breasts. Slowly. That shiver grew stronger. He smiled slightly. He knew the effect he was having on her. He curled the rope over and brushed it around her breast. It rubbed against her nipple.
Oh, hell.
He disappeared once more, moving behind her.
“All good, sweetheart?”
“Yes, Sir.”
He started wrapping the rope around her torso in a pattern she couldn’t follow. It made her feel slightly dizzy to look down so she glanced out at the crowd. But that just made her feel nervous.
“Close your eyes, Lacey. I’ll keep you safe.”
She caught her breath then closed her eyes. All her other senses came to life. She could feel the rope against her skin, feel the way it hugged her close. She could hear Gray moving behind her, the small whispers from the crowd.
“You have to be careful to get the tension right. Too loose, and your sub won’t feel secure, too tight, and she’ll feel suffocated. Check with her often. Especially if you’re new to each other or you’re unsure. How does that feel, Lacey?”
“Good,” she said in a slightly dreamy voice. The rope wasn’t tight. It was like a giant hug. A strange sense of calm came over her.
“She’s relaxed, her pulse is even, I’d say she likes it, don’t you?” he asked the audience.
They all murmured their agreement. He continued to wrap the rope around her torso, pausing every so often to knot it.